MONTREAL — The Alouettes won’t get any younger with the addition of Byron Parker, but the skill level of the team’s secondary might have dramatically improved with the signing of the veteran cornerback.

Parker, who turns 32 in March, was released on Friday by the British Columbia Lions along with slotback Arland Bruce. Parker barely had time to contemplate his future before Als general manager Jim Popp reached out for him.

That alone tells you Popp believes his team’s secondary requires improvement — and he wasn’t going to waste any time, fearful another Canadian Football League team might sign Parker, five-foot-11 and 193 pounds.

The Als allowed an average of over 27 points per game last season, along with an average of 280 yards through the air. No better was this shortcoming illustrated that during the East Division final, when Toronto’s Ricky Ray passed for 399 yards, part of the Argonauts’ 530 yards’ net offence. Toronto overcame a 10-0 deficit to win 27-20.

It was pretty clear Saturday night Parker was coming to the Als. On his Twitter account, he posted a picture of his boarding pass, taking him to Montreal from Atlanta. There were other not-too-subtle signs as well. On Sunday, during an exclusive interview with The Gazette, Parker said he had undergone his physical and was preparing to sign a two-year contract. He’s expected to earn a base salary of $85,000 — as he was with the Lions. The Als will probably introduce him during a Monday news conference.

“I think I still have two, maybe three years to play,” the native of Stoney Mountain, Ga., said. “I just want to play and get a Grey Cup. I haven’t won one or played in one. That’s the monkey on my back. I’d like to get it off before my career’s done.”

Parker, who signed with B.C. as a free agent in 2012, played field corner for the Lions — a spot Billy Parker occupied for Montreal. But two members of the Als’ starting secondary, Seth Williams and Dwight Anderson, are set to become free agents next month. Williams played boundary corner, a position Byron Parker has played.

Byron Parker has displayed big-play potential throughout his career, which began with Toronto in 2005, following his release from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. A three-time CFL all-star, Parker has 29 career interceptions, including nine returned for touchdowns, although six of those came during his first three seasons. He also spent six games in Edmonton in 2009 following a trade.

In 18 games with the Lions last season, Parker intercepted only one pass. He did pilfer two others, but they were nullified by penalties. No Lions player intercepted more than four balls. Parker particularly struggled during the Lions’ West Division final loss to Calgary.

On Friday, B.C. GM Wally Buono said Parker and Bruce were being released to give younger players an opportunity — and so he could better manage the salary cap. The players were jettisoned one day after quarterback Travis Lulay was signed to an extension that will pay him a reported $450,000 annually.

“I don’t think it has to do too much with salary. They just want to go younger,” Parker said. “Statistically, did I have the season I projected? No. I’m sure what they projected didn’t happen. You’re judged by your last game. Did I play exceptionally well? Not at all. I’d be the first one to say that. It was out of the norm for me. If it looks like I’m not getting interceptions, it looks like I’m not doing my job.

“Was I shocked by my release? Yeah. When you look at stats, it’s always a possibility. I understand. It’s just the nature of the business.”

While Parker said it’s unusual coming to a team seeking a head coach, he’s not concerned. The Als, Parker said, still have Popp and QB Anthony Calvillo.

“Any time you got them two, you’ve got a chance — no matter who the coach is,” he said.

Meanwhile, a source with knowledge of the situation said don’t be surprised if Popp reaches out for a rookie head coach to replace Marc Trestman, now with the Chicago Bears. That would rule out candidates such as Doug Berry, Paul LaPolice or Greg Marshall, who is expected to join Edmonton as defensive co-ordinator.

Popp, the only GM the Als have known, brought Bob Price, Charlie Taaffe and, most recently, Trestman in. Only Taaffe had been a head coach anywhere and none had CFL experience. Also, as important as it will be for the new coach to be able to lead, he must be able to also assemble a competent staff of assistant coaches.

The Als have but four assistants under contract — Noel Thorpe, Pat Meyer, Brendan Nugent and Jean-Marc Edme. And Meyer’s expected to join Trestman at Chicago.

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.